Online Certificate in Dental Assistance

Dental assistants perform tasks in a dental office, including cleaning and preparing work stations and equipment, educating patients on proper oral care, and assisting dentists with various procedures. Assistants may also handle administrative duties, such as billing, scheduling, and record-keeping. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth for dental assistants between 2019 and 2029.

For employment, dental assistants typically need a dental assistance certificate from an accredited program. They can then pursue national certification through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) — a credential that some employers and states require.

Read on for more information about online dental assistance certificates and related careers.

While the exact format varies by program, most dental assistance certificates take less than a year to complete. Online learning may accelerate completion times, but students should be aware of any internship or in-person lab components that may require campus visits.

The accessibility of dental assisting makes the field attractive for working professionals looking for a quick career change or students looking to enter an in-demand field. Aspiring dental assistants typically possess strong communication and organizational skills.

Most dental assistance programs award a certificate or a diploma, although some lead to an associate degree. Two-year associate programs typically prepare students for the same careers, but they can also provide the foundation for further study. For example, some graduates may go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene.

In some certificate programs, learners can pursue concentrations like radiography, oral surgery, and infection control, which can improve job prospects in those fields and help with accompanying certification exams.

Not all states and employers require national certification or licensure, so students should be sure to understand their local requirements. Some states allow dental assistants to perform specialized tasks like taking X-rays, which typically requires a national credential. Students should ensure their program meets the eligibility requirements in their state.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The exact classes in a dental assistance certificate program may vary depending on the program and location. However, most programs familiarize students with the anatomy of the mouth and the instruments that assistants use on the job. In states that require national certification and licensure, programs may feature more specialized training.

The BLS projects 7% job growth for dental assistants between 2019 and 2029. During the same period, the BLS projects that related careers (e.g., dental hygienist and dental laboratory technician) will also grow faster than the average occupation in the U.S.

As the field expands, aspiring dental assistants with proper training and postsecondary credentials should enjoy ample career opportunities, even in states that do not require postsecondary education or national certification.

Learn more about dental careers and find out what you need to do to succeed in this growing field.

Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming a dental assistant. These steps include general requirements, but specific education requirements vary by state. Some states do not require dental assistants to enroll in postsecondary school.

1. Obtain a high school or GED diploma.

2. Enroll in a dental assisting program at a technical school or an associate degree program.

3. Pass a dental assistant exam, if required in your state.

4. Continue education through on-the-job training, usually by working at a dental office under the mentorship of a dentist.

5. Earn certification from the Dental Assisting National Board if desired, allowing for expanded duties.

According to BLS, dental assistants made a median annual salary of $41,180 in May 2020. The average salary for this position varies by state, with the top 10% earning over $58,000. The highest-paying states for dental assistants are Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Alaska.

Jobs for these professionals are projected to grow by 11% between 2020-2030, which is above average. This equals about 44,000 new dental assistant openings every year.

Obtaining an associate degree can increase your chances of becoming a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists must pass a written and clinical exam to become eligible for licensure. As of May 2020, they made a median annual salary of $77,090.